Biological evolution and human cognition are analogous information processing systems

Juan C. Castro-Alonso*, Alejandro A. Hidalgo, John Sweller

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    103 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The mechanisms that govern biological evolution and human cognition are analogous, as both follow the same principles of natural information processing systems. In this article, we describe the following five principles that provide an analogy between biological evolution and human cognition: (a) Randomness as Genesis Principle and (b) Borrowing and Reorganizing Principle, which indicate how natural information processing systems obtain information; (c) Narrow Limits of Change Principle and (d) Information Store Principle, which indicate how information is processed and stored; and (e) Environmental Organizing and Linking Principle, which indicate how stored information is used to generate actions appropriate to an environment. In human cognition, these analogs only apply to cognitive processes associated with biologically secondary knowledge, the knowledge typically taught in educational institutions. Based on these five principles, cognitive load theory researchers have provided diverse prescriptions to optimize instructional activities and materials. We conclude by discussing general instructional implications and future research directions based on this analogy.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1330345
    Number of pages10
    JournalFrontiers in Psychology
    Volume14
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 5 Jan 2024

    Bibliographical note

    Funding:
    Funding from ANID/PIA/Basal Funds for Centers of Excellence FB0003 is gratefully acknowledged.

    Keywords

    • evolution by natural selection
    • genetic and epigenetic systems
    • human cognition and cognitive architecture
    • long-term memory and working memory
    • cognitive load theory

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Biological evolution and human cognition are analogous information processing systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this